In a provocative essay, philosopher Jeffrie Murphy asks the question which serves as the subtitle of this conference: "What would law be like if we organized it around the value of Christian love [agape]?" Analogous questions arise within other theological and moral traditions. What would be the implications for the substance of law and for the practice of law? Join us for the conversation. The following speakers are already confirmed:

Barbara Armacost (Virginia), Restorative Justice

Stephen Bainbridge (UCLA), The Relevance of Agape to Fiduciary Duties, If Any

Charles Mathewes (Virginia), Be Instructed, All You Who Judge the Earth: The Dialectic of Law and Love During the World in Psalm 2:10 and Augustine

Richard Mouw (Fuller Theological Seminary), Calvin, Law, and Love

Jeffrie Murphy (Arizona State), Law Like Love: Does Love Require the Abandonment of Punishment?

Joel A. Nichols (St. Thomas), Love, Indeterminacy, and Family Law

Ellen Pryor (UNT Dallas), Agape and Legal Education

Meghan J. Ryan (SMU), Dignity and Rehabilitation

Chaim Saiman (Villanova), Law As Love: A View From the Talmud

Michael Scaperlanda (Oklahoma), Love, Law, and the Immigrant

Varun Soni (USC), Love as Law: From Dharma to Kama

Najeeba
Syeed-Miller (Claremont), Humanizing Legal Systems: Exploring the
Capacity for a Humane Approach to Justice from a Muslim Perspective

Amy Uelmen (Georgetown), Love, Obligation, and the Common Law No Duty to Rescue

David VanDrunen (Westminster Seminary), Why Christian Love Is an
Improper Category to Apply to Civil Law: A Contrarian Perspective

Robert K. Vischer (St. Thomas), Is Agape the Last, Best Hope for the Legal Profession?

James Boyd White (Michigan), Agape: the Activity of Reframing

If you would like to present a paper or organize a panel, please submit your proposal by September 13, 2013 via email. Proposals should include a short abstract and bio (one page total). Speakers will be arranged into panels and will have 12-15 minutes to present. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with funding.
If you have questions about the substance of the conference, contact Bob Cochran.